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Libraries’ Symposium on “Reston at 50: Looking Back at Forward Thinking”

George Mason University Libraries have organized the symposium “Reston at 50: Looking Back at Forward Thinking” in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Reston, Virginia, and the 25th anniversary of Reston Town Center. Presentations, focusing on diversity, planning, preservation, and scholarship, will be held Monday, April 28, from 7 to 9:30 pm, at The Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA.

Panel presentations include:

Ms. Lindsey Bestebreurtje, doctoral candidate in the George Mason University Department of History and Art History, will address the context of Reston’s groundbreaking policies of integration and diversity.

Dr. Harold Linton, Director of the School of Art at George Mason University, will provide a window into the development of the Reston Plan, and its seven principles of design, design/planning precedents, architecture, success, awards, and liabilities.

Mr. William Jordan Patty, doctoral student in the George Mason University Department of History and Art History and Archivist/Librarian with George Mason University Libraries, will highlight the history of the Planned Community Archives, a research collection developed by the community in Reston and donated to the George Mason University Libraries.

Dr. Zachary M. Schrag, Professor of U.S. History in the George Mason University Department of History and Art History, will introduce three students scholars selected to present their research on Reston history.

The symposium is cosponsored by George Mason University Libraries and the Reston Museum and Historic Trust and is presented with the generous support of Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.This event is free and open to the public.

For information about the symposium, contact George Mason University Libraries’ Special Collections at 703-993-2221 or speccoll@gmu.edu.